One Little, Two Little, Three Little Yorkies…

John and I share our home and our lives with three spoiled rotten Yorkshire terriers. And let me save you some time…I am one of “those” type pet owners that adores their pets, and treats them like kids. If we were living in the country, instead of one of those uptight subdivisions (which seemed like a good idea at the time), I’d probably have a couple more. It is because I am such a big softie that my sweet, but long-suffering husband has asked me to refrain from visiting any pet stores or breeders, lest I come home with another one (or two). So yes, I am a dog lover. If you find folks like me annoying, you may want to just skip today’s post.

Pets are a lot like people — they have distinct characteristics and personality traits that set them aside from everyone else.

Take Brinkley, for example. When he was a puppy, he had these large bat-like ears that were completely disproportionate from his body. I’m talking ears that could rival Dumbo. But there was something about his sweet little face that won me over instantly. The moment I saw him, I knew he was the one for me. And, even though we’d set out to get a female puppy, it was Brinkley that came home with us that day.

Eventually he grew into his ears, but were it not for that, we may not have noticed him. These days, Brink is a doberman trapped in a Yorkie’s body — one who thinks he is the neighborhood watch.

Then there’s Madison. She was in a kennel with a little chihuahua puppy. We’re not sure what he did to upset her, but she was giving him a good butt-kicking. She stood up on her hind legs, and had her front paws in the air — she looked a bit like a pint-sized Bigfoot. We watched this go on for several minutes, then asked to see her (if for no other reason than to give the chihuahua a well-deserved rest). We instantly fell in love with this little two-pound dynamo, and the rest is history.

There has never been a sweeter or more loving dog than our Maddie. Her tail can wag at the speed of sound, and she’s never met a stranger. Her favorite thing in the world is to be curled up underneath a fleece blankie.

Last, but not least, is Spencer. I bought him while I was away visiting John’s folks. He wasn’t a planned purchase like the other two pups were, though. I visited a breeder, and saw him there, along with several of his siblings. All of the puppies were sleeping in a big, furry pile…except for one. This lone little guy wanted space to spread out — he was sleeping on his back, with arms and legs going in all directions. No need to draw out the story…he was the one I chose.

Spencer is our wild child. He is not quite a year old, and is already longer and taller than the other two dogs. He is quite a little acrobat, and has been known to make attempts to jump up onto the countertop if there is something up there he wants. As of yet, he hasn’t achieved this, but I think it’s only a matter of time. He is nothing if not tenacious.

Each of my dogs were different from the other pets that were available when I selected them. Each of them stood out, in their own unique way. Were it not for those differences, I would have missed out on knowing them, and loving them — and having them enrich my life.

In a market where we’re all encouraged to follow the crowd and “fit in,” our individuality is often lost. In relationships, and in business, what makes us different is what makes us great.

It took three little puppies to reinforce that small truth in this old dog.

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